Howard Shore's LOTR score, the films themselves, and Tolkien's work in a triad of fascination. Family. Animals. Hand bells.

First Lord of the Rings reading experience:

Started to read it as a teenager after the Bakshi film came out. I liked it but never got past Moria. ME called to me after the PJ films, and I read it as a middle aged man; it was the right time.

Favorite Tolkien character:

Boromir, I think, because of his centrality...everything flows through Amon Hen. PJ's re-imagining and Sean Bean's performance of the character amounted to a revelation. I am drawn to the aspects of Fate, Fall, Redemption, and Purpose exemplified in the story of Boromir.